In addition to housing renowned expert Dard Hunter's papermaking collection, the museum is the repository for the photos, artifacts, and journals of the Institute. These records provided the basis for Breaking New Ground, and presented a rich history of the development of the Institute. A large timeline, represented as the growth rings of a tree, adorns one gallery wall. Visitors will discover some of the people who made the Institute such an important place, and learn about research projects such as tree genetics.
IPST comprises numerous forest bioproducts research areas, and a few are highlighted within the exhibit. Developing forestry practices, including tree cloning, begin the research side of the exhibit. The processes of mechanical and chemical pulping are explained, and the recovery of chemicals, gasification, and corrosion are illustrated. The exhibit delves into paperboard container research and testing and how IPST developed a non-destructive way to test finished paper.
Exhibit visitors also will be able to get a glimpse into the future of IPST and the industry. The conclusion of Breaking New Ground explores the current scientific direction in which the Institute is headed. This emphasizes that the Institute is looking to the future and beginning to answer questions that are being conceived only now.
Museum Director Teri Williams worked closely with Kathy Dixson of Avient Museum Services to develop the content of Breaking New Ground. Former IPST faculty member Gary Baum provided valuable content to explain high-level concepts, simplified for easy understanding.
Breaking New Ground will be open through the summer. The Robert C. Williams Papermaking Museum is open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free, donations are accepted. The Museum is at 500 10th Street NW, Atlanta, Ga.
More information is available online.
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/